On Monday, we learned a federal judge denied Lee County's motion to dismiss the lawsuit.

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This was a small victory for the artist Pam Rambo.

The ball is now in the county's court.

They can move forward with the suit, they can make a move to settle, or they can try again to have the case dismissed.

Rambo's attorney, Joseph Coleman, said Rambo is still willing to settle.

"Our clients' primary concern throughout and her utmost concern will always be the return of her sculpture, her art, to her. That is the key to resolving this case. We're always open to resolving this in an amicable way and trying to find a creative solution. Unfortunately, if that route isn't taken, we are prepared to move forward," said Coleman, an attorney at Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A.

Lee County attorney Richard Wesch has continually held his ground, stating that Florida law is very clear on how officials must dispose of county property like the shell love bug.

"That law should be followed, and quite honestly no amount of public pressure is going to persuade our office to ever recommend to this board that it not follow the law of the state of Florida," said Wesch.

When we asked the county if settling is an option, Wesch said in a statement:

“The County adheres to the basic litigation premise to resolve controversies through settlement rather than through litigation when it is in the best interest of the County and the people we represent to do so. This Office on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners and the people they represent stand ready to receive and or negotiate any settlement proposal that may be proffered by the Plaintiffs.”

In a memo to the board of commissioners, Wesch said that he still believes that the lawsuit is without any merit.